Frequently asked questions
- DOES THE TECKLIFT FIT MY MOTORHOME?
The tecklift is designed for universal use, which is why it adapts to different motorhomes. In our experience, this means that it can be fitted to approx. 95% of all motorhomes. Check the specifications given by the respective manufacturer of the motor home for the total load at the rear of the vehicle and the positions for the upper and lower attachment points. And that’s all there is to it.
The tecklift can be fitted to the rear of your motorhome if it has or can be adjusted to the following dimensions on your vehicle:
- Horizontal distance of the upper fastening points is 60cm.
- Distance between the upper and lower attachment points on the motorhome is between 70cm and 150cm.
- Electrical connection 12V / 10A is available in the rear garage or storage room.
The 60cm distance between the upper attachment points is practically an industry standard. Some motorhome models have a bicycle rack mounted ex works that runs across the entire width of the vehicle. In these cases there is a solution available that we will be happy to discuss with you. The range of 70cm to 150cm between the upper and lower attachment points is due to the design of the tecklift. With most motorhomes, this range is adjustable and there is enough flexibility to mount the tecklift in such a way that it is possible to load the bikes comfortably once it is lowered.
There are bike racks on the market that require smaller distances – usually in the range of between 40cm and 50cm between the upper and lower attachment points on the motorhome. In these cases, either the lower or the upper attachment points on the motorhome must be repositioned in order to securely attach the tecklift to the rear at the minimum dimension of 70cm.
In the case of windows or storage compartment flaps in the rear, it is important to check how the tecklift can be mounted without obstructing the opening and closing of windows or flaps. If you have any questions about mounting, just send us a message and please add a photo or a sketch of the rear of your motorhome. We will be happy to advise you before you buy. We would like you to be sure that everything fits properly.
- WILL MY BIKE CARRIER FIT ON THE TECKLIFT?
The tecklift is designed to accommodate most bike carrier systems available from different manufacturers. The Europe-wide patented idea of the tecklift as an adapter that allows you to continue using your existing bike carrier is based on the tecklift‘s universal adaptability. The tecklift is equipped ex works with the various mountings and brackets needed.
The basic requirement is that your bike rack is 60cm wide. This is virtually an industry standard. In terms of distance between the upper and the lower attachment points on the bike carrier, all dimensions between 40cm and 108cm can be used on the tecklift. Most bike racks can easily be adjusted to the 108cm range.
- HOW DOES THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION WORK?
The electrical connection of the tecklift to your on-board network is very simple. The tecklift is supplied to you ex works with all the necessary parts. This includes the control box with rocker switch, fuse, cable with cable gland and an electrical safety circuit. Depending on the cable routing in your motorhome, a few additional metres of cable and some cable connections may be necessary.
Therefore you only need a 12V / 10A connection in your rear garage or in a storage compartment.
- WHAT ELSE HAS TO BE CONSIDERED DURING THE ASSEMBLY OF THE TECKLIFT?
We deliver the tecklift pre-assembled so that you only have to screw on the mounting brackets to the motorhome and establish the electrical connection of the tecklift to your on-board system. Adjusting the tecklift to the correct position at the rear of your motorhome is easy. With existing mounting points at the rear of your motorhome, there are essentially five steps:
- Unhook your existing bike rack.
- Assemble the side brackets for mounting the tecklift to your motorhome.
- Mount the tecklift to the rear of your motorhome and adjust it to the appropriate height.
- Connect the tecklift to your electric on-board system.
- Hook your bike carrier to the tecklift.
- HOW MANY E-BIKES / PUSH BIKES CAN THE TECKLIFT CARRY?
We have designed the tecklift to carry two e-bikes or three push bikes.
- I HAVE A MOTORHOME WITH HINGED DOORS AT THE REAR. DOES THE TECKLIFT ALSO FIT ONTO THESE VEHICLES?
The current version of the tecklift is designed for “classic“ motorhomes. In the case of panel-van-type motorhomes with hinged doors, special requirements need to be met due to the mechanical design of the two rear doors and lights.
- HOW CAN THE TECKLIFT BE LOWERED?
The maximum height of the tecklift is 80cm. Due to the flexible adjustability of the distance between the upper and lower mounting points of the tecklift for mounting on the rear of your motorhome, the tecklift can be adjusted in most cases so that convenient loading and unloading of the e-bikes / push bikes is possible. The exact distance from the ground level depends on the positions of the mounting points at the rear of your motorhome.
- I AM ORDERING OR HAVE A BRAND NEW MOTORHOME. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
If you are planning or have already purchased a new motorhome without a bike carrier system, our tecklift carry is the best choice. With the tecklift carry, we offer you a complete system consisting of a bicycle lift and the carrier module for two e-bikes. If your new vehicle is equipped with a bike carrier system, we recommend the tecklift connect. This is mounted between the rear wall of your motorhome and the bike carrier system.
- CAN I ASSEMBLE THE TECKLIFT MYSELF?
As the manufacturer of the tecklift, we always recommend assembly by specialist firms or trained personnel. We have therefore enclosed a detailed assembly and operating manual with each tecklift. If you have the necessary expertise and the manual skills to assemble the tecklift mechanically and electrically according to our specifications, you can of course choose to carry out the assembly yourself.
- HOW DOES THE TECKLIFT DIFFER FROM OTHER SOLUTIONS?
The tecklift has been developed and patented as an adapter to which you can mount other manufacturers’ bike carrier systems. It is an open, modular and flexible solution that adapts to the vehicle when mounted on the motorhome. With regard to the benefits, the technical design and the price-performance ratio, there are no other systems that are comparable. Due to the different models, tecklift connect, tecklift carry basic and tecklift carry complete, there is a suitable solution to meet every requirement.
With the tecklift connect, for example, an existing bike carrier can continue to be used, or with the tecklift carry, a complete system consisting of lift and bike carrier can be mounted onto the rear of the motorhome. This option is particularly attractive when equipping your motorhome for the first time, or when the existing bike carrier system needs replacing.
All tecklift systems are electrically operated and run quietly, powerfully and parallel to the rear of the motorhome. The standard delivery package includes all the parts needed for mechanical and electrical installation on the motorhome.
- WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TECKLIFT CONNECT AND THE TECKLIFT CARRY?
The tecklift connect is a universal adapter that is mounted between the rear of the motorhome and an existing bicycle carrier system from any manufacturer. The tecklift connect adapts to both the motorhome and the bike carrier system. The tecklift connect is the right choice if you already have an existing bike carrier system and it is electrically operated and transports two e-bikes up and down for both loading and unloading.
The tecklift carry is identical in construction to the tecklift connect, but with the addition of a carrier function specially developed for the tecklift. Therefore, the tecklift carry is a lift and carrier for two e-bikes in one. The tecklift carry is modular and can be configured to suit different e-bikes. The tecklift carry is the perfect choise when equipping a motorhome for the first time or when replacing the existing bike carrier system.
- DOES THE TECKLIFT REQUIRE A SEPARATE OPERATING PERMIT?
The tecklift is an integral part of the so-called “vehicle load” because it is directly connected and fitted to the motorhome. Therefore, to the best of our knowledge, the tecklift does not require any kind of general operating permit (in Germany: “Allgemeine Betriebserlaubnis”, ABE) or certificate (equivalent of a “TÜV-Eintrag”, i.e. the approval by the “Technischer Überwachungsverein”). Nevertheless, for your safety we have had the tecklift tested by Bertrandt AG.
To be on the safe side, please check with your local authorities if there are any specific regulations that may apply for the use of bicycle carrier systems on motorhomes.
Also, bear in mind that the tecklift is used and transported on public roads. Improper installation may lead to considerable damage to property and personal injury. As the manufacturer, we decline all liability for improperly installed systems.